Gareth Bale

Heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer, the Red Devils’ interest ended when the Welsh international featured in Real Madrid’s European Super Cup victory over Mourinho’s men.

At that point it appeared he would be in Zinedine Zidane’s plans for the season ahead.

But injuries – as they have for much of his Bernabeu stay – have interrupted Bale’s progress once more and the former Spurs forward is back on the treatment table after just four La Liga starts.

At 28, Bale will not come cheap. But he is the kind of superstar who would be welcomed at Old Trafford and Real, always looking to the next Galactico, are reportedly eager to sell the former world’s most expensive player to raise transfer funds.

Mesut Ozil

The Arsenal playmaker is another whose contract expires at the end of the current campaign and the suggestion is he will not renew his deal at the Emirates.

That has sparked a scramble for the 29-year-old’s signature with Mourinho and United at the head of the queue.

Ozil thrived under Portuguese coach at Real Madrid and a reunion could be on the cards.

Ozil reportedly wants around £300,000 a week to remain with the Gunners and that would represent a significant outlay for a player who will offer little in the way of re-sale value further down the line.

But like former Gunner Robin van Persie, the German could prove to be the transformative signing United need to become title contenders.

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